After residing in Africa for nearly a 12 months now, I’ve had my fair proportion of safari lodges and experiences. However given safari is such a magical expertise, at any time when I can I hold going again for extra. Through the years I’ve stayed at too many lovely lodges to rely, however like something, I’ve my favourites! So these are the very best safari lodges in Africa, tried and examined by yours really.
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1. San Camp, Botswana
I’ll begin with my favorite camp in all of Africa – San Camp in Botswana. Whereas it’s far out of your atypical safari camp, I personally assume that’s what makes it so particular. When you gained’t discover the massive 5 right here within the Kalahari desert, this camp hones in on the smaller creatures discovered within the desert. However greater than that, it’s about really disconnecting out of your common life and tuning in to your current. There’s no wifi or electrical energy within the tents, however there are many alternatives to attach with nature.
2. Sandibe, Botswana
My second favorite lodge in Botswana goes by the identify of Sandibe. That is the crowning jewel of AndBeyond’s Botswana portfolio, the place they’ve plenty of camps within the Okavango Delta and past. Sandibe is the most costly camp from AndBeyond’s portfolio in Botswana, however it’s also essentially the most magical. In the event you’re searching for a novel honeymoon location, that is your finest guess.
3. Sossusvlei Lodge, Namibia
Final 12 months I lastly had the possibility to go to Namibia. Being based mostly in South Africa subsequent door has given me many extra excuses to get on the market and expertise extra of Africa. After we ventured North to Namibia, we checked in to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. This lodge has lately been refurbished from prime to backside and the outcomes are merely breathtaking. Waking up within the desert is a luxurious I’ll definitely not neglect on this lifetime.
Learn extra: The 12 most remoted lodges in Africa
4. Boulders Lodge, South Africa
Boulders Lodge in South Africa was not my first lodge expertise on this nation, but it surely definitely was my favorite! I’ll always remember sitting out on my deck as I seen a younger elephant consuming from my pool and popping over to say hi there! I’ve since realized this can be a common incidence on the lodge, so in case you are searching for shut animal encounters, this can be a nice lodge to remain to your safari.
5. Cottars Safari Camp, Kenya
Once I checked in to Cottars Safari Camp in Kenya, I felt as if I had stepped again in time. The 1920’s safari camp is without doubt one of the oldest on provide and it’s idyllically positioned on the perimeter of the Maasai Mara. As a result of the park itself is inundated with safari goers, this can be a nice various to expertise extra serenity however nonetheless stay in shut proximity to the park.
6. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
Okay, I’m saying it: Mnemba Island is my favorite lodge in all of Africa. Whereas it isn’t a conventional safari lodge, it nonetheless deserves a spot on this listing. With simply twelve rooms positioned on a non-public island off the coast of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is the final word in barefoot luxurious.
7. Angama Mara, Kenya
Angama Mara is often thought-about the very best safari lodge in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This newly opened lodge got here to the safari scene with a lot reward, significantly in celebration of the distinctive location this lodge occupies overlooking the Mara. In the event you’re searching for a honeymoon location with views for days, that is your finest guess in East Africa.
8. Bush Villa, Kenya
Though the Bush Villa falls beneath the umbrella of Cottar’s Safari Camp, I believe it’s worthy of a point out of its personal. This gloriously outsized villa is the right alternative for giant households or massive teams to get pleasure from their very own non-public oasis. The villa is sprawled out above Cottar’s Safari Camp, overlooking the Maasai Mara under. Even Angelina Jolie has been a visitor of the Bush Villa!
9. Serengeti Home, Tanzania
Serengeti Home in Tanzania is the highest property in Singita’s safari portfolio. This non-public villa boasts 4 bedrooms, an infinity swimming pool and a non-public health club. The villa additionally comes with a non-public chef, so you possibly can actually sit back and luxuriate in some alone time together with your group.
10. Royal Malewane, South Africa
Once I checked in to Royal Malewane a couple of years in the past I had already visited a handful of close by camps. However Royal Malewane has its personal attraction, with a novel inside design that makes you’re feeling as when you’ve got stepped again in time. Make sure to go to the day spa the place you’ll find this lovely lap pool paying homage to a Moroccan riad.
11. And Past Bateleur Camp
Throughout my time in East Africa, I believe it’s protected to say Bateleur Camp was my favorite safari lodge. This newly refurbished lodge is the right mixture of outdated meets new, with all of the traditional touches however all of the mod cons to go together with it. The service right here was unparalleled to another camp I stayed at in Kenya.
12. Botswana Sky Beds
For an unforgettable evening within the bush, verify your self into Botswana Skybeds. The sky beds are positioned a brief drive from close by Sable Alley, making it the right addition to actually immerse your self within the bush. The sky beds are positioned up a 3 story tree home, which means you’re as shut as doable to the animal exercise all through the evening! This isn’t solely among the finest safari lodges in Africa but in addition probably the most adventurous.
13. Singita Sweni, South Africa
Singita Sweni was one of many first safari lodges I ever stayed at, however that doesn’t imply I’ve forgotten about it! My expertise at this lodge was so memorable, it’s without end engrained in my thoughts. Singita actually go above and past for his or her company, offering gastronomic meals and unbeatable service. They’ve a couple of lodges within the space, however Singita Sweni is my private favorite.
14. Sable Alley, Botswana
Sable Alley is without doubt one of the common selections of safari camps in Botswana. Whereas Botswana is without doubt one of the costliest nations to go to for a safari journey, this camp is extra on the reasonably priced finish of the size. If you’re searching for a particular escape with out the hefty price ticket, this camp is reasonably priced.
Learn extra: The Greatest Animal Encounters in Africa
15. Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Rwanda has change into essentially the most wanted nation to go to in Africa. Over current years it has sky rocketed in reputation, principally because of the inhabitants of mountain gorillas which have drawn 1000’s of vacationers to the landlocked nation. Bisate Lodge is without doubt one of the most iconic lodges within the nation, with their inventive beehive like design.
16. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Zambia and Zimbabwe are each thought-about the gateway to Victoria Falls, however in case you are searching for one thing additional particular then check out Thorntree River Lodge. This peaceable and serene lodge is the epitome of romance, set on the calm banks of the Zambezi river. There is no such thing as a denying this is without doubt one of the finest safari lodges in Africa, as it’s definitely our best choice for essentially the most romantic.
17. Ngorongoro Lodge, Tanzania
East Africa is the place you must go to in case you are searching for the enduring “Out of Africa” expertise. Ngorongoro must be probably the most picturesque lodges to select from, set overlooking the crater itself.
18. Jao Camp, Botswana
I do know I do know, one other Botswana suggestion!? Imagine me after I say no safari is as magical as one which takes place within the Okavango Delta. Jao Camp is one other nice choice for honeymoon {couples} searching for one thing additional particular. The fastidiously curated design makes it probably the most distinguishable camps.
19. Singita Kataza, Rwanda
Additionally in Rwanda, you’ll find two Singita properties to select from when searching for the very best safari lodges in Africa. Singita Kataza is an additional particular lodge set within the mystical mountains of Rwanda, only a brief journey from the well-known mountain gorillas.
20. Chinzombo, Zambia
Final however not least, Chinzombo camp in Zambia is idyllically positioned on the banks of the Zambezi river. This camp is a well-liked alternative for honeymoon {couples} who’re in search of a serene location by the water. Nonetheless, for those who’re up for some actions, you possibly can choose to canoe on the Zambezi river or partake in a microflight over Victoria Falls. Imagine me after I say it isn’t for the faint hearted!